Are you going to watch the Super Bowl this weekend? I am! I tend to watch it for alternate reasons, though (live-tweet annoying things, watch Katy Perry...), but I dig how excited everyone gets about this bizarre game of ball throwing. So, before you head to the kitchen to make some killer Super Bowl party snacks, read this week’s From Our Friends. From Our Friends is OA’s weekly roundup of our favorite posts, published by our friends and partners around the web.

Are you going to watch the Super Bowl this weekend? I am! I tend to watch it for alternate reasons, though (live-tweet annoying things, watch Katy Perry…), but I dig how excited everyone gets about this bizarre game of ball throwing. So, before you head to the kitchen to make some killer Super Bowl party snacks, read this week’s From Our Friends. From Our Friends is OA’s weekly roundup of our favorite posts, published by our friends and partners around the web.

This week’s post has a link to an article about sickness prevention, a few Super Bowl party recipes, snacks, and drinks, and a post that will keep your kid’s busy during snowy weather. Also: an article that shows off some great snow sculptures and a killer leg workout.

1. Flu season is a bit out of control this year. Don’t worry, though – these doctors spoke to Prevention and gave a few tips on how they avoid sickness.

Americans take our version of football very seriously. Once you’ve decided which team to root for in the championship on February 2nd (Go Broncos!) the next decision is what Super Bowl recipes to serve during the viewing party. If you or your friends have recently adopted a Paleo, gluten-free, or vegan diet, traditional Super Bowl recipes like mozzarella sticks and nachos are out of the question. But that doesn’t mean you can’t serve up delicious, crowd-pleasing finger foods. Score a touchdown with every guest by adding a few of these Paleo-friendly Super Bowl recipes to your menu.

18 Paleo Super Bowl Recipes For Dairy and Gluten-Free Fans

1. Sweet and Sour Meatballs – Slow cooker meatballs are a mainstay among Super Bowl recipes and the sweet and sour variety just happen to be a signature dish of mine. Since going Paleo, however, I’m skipping the store bought ketchup and bread crumbs and using this recipe from Against All Grain instead.

2. Bacon-Avocado Sliders – If you’re gluten or grain-free, most burger buns are out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t serve up some delicious sliders. No one will be asking for bread when they see these lettuce-wrapped sliders with bacon, avocado, caramelized onion, and homemade Paleo BBQ sauce from Meaningful Eats.

4. Chicken Wings – I’m a sucker for buffalo wings, which consequently are a pretty easy appetizer to make Paleo. There are no shortage of Super Bowl recipes for wings, so it just depends on what flavors you’re looking for. Try the Chile Lime Chicken Wings from Nom Nom Paleo, Sriracha Pomegranate Wings from Aarti Paarti, or these Original Buffalo Wings–dubbed the best Paleo chicken wings ever.

3. Easy Homemade Hummus: What vegan party is complete without hummus? The best part is mixing in whatever ingredients you like to snazz it up a bit. Hummus with pureed roasted red pepper mixed in is one of my favs.

4. Chickpea Nuggets:If you have kids at the party, these two-ingredient homemade chickpea nuggets are amazing! Just take some of your homemade hummus, add some breadcrumbs, bake and wallah.

6. Baba Ganoush: So fun to say and so delicious to eat. I LOVE eggplant and baba ganoush is a fantastic way to eat it. If you’ve never tried baba ganoush and you think you’re not an eggplant fan, try this creamy delight and you just might change your tune.

8. CrockPot Chili: Game day plus chili equals win. And you can do it vegan style. Keep this delicious chili warm in the crock on your serving table and you’ll be eating bowls of it, dipping tortilla chips in it and enjoying that spicy burn all game long.

9. Texas Caviar: I see this stuff in the wholesale club all the time, but making it yourself is so much more frugal and healthy. Texas caviar is a great mix of black-eyed peas and spicy peppers. I like to add black beans to my version, too. Delicious.

10. Mango Guacamole: Mangoes in your guacamole, yum! Bonus for those with allergies, this guac is nightshade-free.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/13-decadent-vegan-super-bowl-party-food-ideas-slide-over-celery-sticks/feed/0So God Made a Farmer, But What Does That Really Mean for the Rest of Us?http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/so-god-made-a-farmer.html
http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/so-god-made-a-farmer.html#commentsWed, 06 Feb 2013 04:28:14 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/s1-foodie-buzz/c4-foodie-buzz/so-god-made-a-farmer/

Aside from the sentimental Budweiser Clydesdale and the moving Jeep homage to America's veterans, most of this year's Super Bowl ads were the expected rousing of cheeky, goofy, sexy, or downright scary (I'm talking to you, Church of Scientology). That is, except for Dodge's ode to American farmers using radio legend Paul Harvey's "So God Made a Farmer" speech. That commercial tied up a whole lot of emotions and reactions.

Aside from the sentimental Budweiser Clydesdale and the moving Jeep homage to America’s veterans, most of this year’s Super Bowl ads were the expected rousing of cheeky, goofy, sexy, or downright scary (I’m talking to you, Church of Scientology). That is, except for Dodge’s ode to American farmers using radio legend Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” speech. That commercial tied up a whole lot of emotions and reactions.

Early on in the spot when it wasn’t clear what was being sold, I couldn’t help but worry and think, “Please don’t let this be sponsored by Monsanto or a big-ag company.” Anyone in California who saw the television spots opposing Proposition 37 (a GMO labeling initiative defeated in November) know just how effective these companies are at distorting reality. (Most of the “no on Prop 37″ commercials didn’t even mention GMOs, but just chalked it up as a “costly food label bill.”) And the last thing American farmers need is more confusing press.

Grist’s Susie Cagle panned the ad, harping on the fact that Dodge didn’t represent the full spectrum of American farmers, which includes a large chunk of women and varying ethnicities. Cagle also noted the contentious conditions that are the norm for many farm workers. Beyond the small-scale farmer struggling to stay in the black, there’s an ugly underbelly to industrial farming that Barry Estabrook details in Tomatoland: How Modern Industrial Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit: Horrific slavery situations throughout Florida where most of the nation’s tomatoes are grown. Mexicans sneaking into the country are beholden to their transporters who often “sell” them off to tomato (or other crops) crew leaders who treat them horribly, pay them tiny wages, and charge them exorbitant rent more often than not for a filthy cot in the back of a box truck with 10 other workers.

These are worthy observations of a system desperately in need of an upgrade. But I submit another response to the ad, particularly in light of the beer, soda and Doritos commercials that otherwise dominated the airtime.

The simple fact is, our country has a big problem when it comes to food. A few problems, actually. First and foremost though is our lack of understanding of what real food is. The abundant fast/junk-food ads during the Super Bowl are proof enough. And that matters a whole lot right now when we’re facing a national obesity crisis and our children are unbelievably unhealthy. What we eat affects what our farmers grow, and our appetite for cheap corn and soy-based foods has devastated our farmers, as well as our health.

In that respect, it doesn’t matter if the farmers in the commercial were white, black, Asian or Hispanic, male or female. That’s not the message here; the message, beyond the Dodge truck sales pitch, is that there are American heroes who may not have served in our military, but for them, every day is a battlefield. They’re at war with early frosts, pesticides, price fluctuations, blights and droughts. They are veterans of the soil, veterans of the seven-day workweek, veterans of service to their fellow countrymen who would otherwise go hungry three times a day, at least.

With countless young people and urbanites now foraying into farming, we’re beginning to see a sea change in the way we perceive our farmers. The rising number of local farmers markets and CSA programs is inspiring connections with local growers and producers and helping Americans reconnect with their food. But we still have a long, long way to go.

Eatocracy collated some great feedback about the ad and there are numerous organizations and websites that can help you better understand our food situation and what challenges our farmers currently face. Civil Eats’ Amanda Oborne hits an important note: “I believe the reason the ad was so compelling is that as a society we miss the human connection that came from doing physical work side by side, and then sitting together at dinner, feeling exhausted and productive.”

As it happens, I’ve just started reading Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers’ Movement, a collection of essays from “next generation” farmers. Editor, farmer and director of the Greenhorns documentary, Severine von Tscharner Fleming, sums it up incredibly well in her introduction:

“Farming is an expression of patriotism and hope. Though our votes might be ignored in this country, as farmers we can still take pride in a nation we’ve directly cultivated. We can be proud Americans to the extent that we transform this country into a place worthy of that pride. We are still a nation of great lands and great towns. No matter where we were raised, we have come to the realization that it is our job to make it a remarkable future. And across all landscapes, suburbs, vacant lots, lease agreements and lonely roads, we are crafting that future according to our own tastes. We stick our forks, tines, spades, and fingers into that particular part of the planet over which we have gained some governance. And, as a result, we eat well, we sleep well, and we earn the respect of our neighbors and families. Imagine: We can reshape the American landscape.”

Whether we do that with the help of Dodge trucks or not seems to not matter nearly as much as just making sure we get it done. And if Dodge wanted to tug on a few heart strings using this important issue to sell (American-made) trucks, good for them. Good for all of us.

If there was ever a perfect From Our Friends post, it's this one. Solidly balanced with education and entertainment, you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy. This week's installment includes articles about what's in your Mountain Dew, organic chocolate, Super Bowl singers, cookbook strategies and an in-depth look inside McDonald's new "transparent" campaign. Have a great weekend and enjoy the posts, dear readers!

If there was ever a perfect From Our Friends post, it’s this one. Solidly balanced with education and entertainment, you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy. This week’s installment includes articles about what’s in your Mountain Dew, organic chocolate, Super Bowl singers, cookbook strategies and an in-depth look inside McDonald’s new “transparent” campaign. Have a great weekend and enjoy the posts, dear readers!

1. EcoSalon goes in-depth behind McDonald’s new “See What We’re Made Of” campaign, outlining the good, the bad and the questionable. A must-read.

2. Do you or anyone you know have an affinity for citrus-flavored soft drinks? You may want to think twice if you don’t feel like ingesting brominated vegetable oil. Click through to MightyNest to find out exactly what that is.

3. Blisstree had some very nice things to say regarding body positivity from the singers at the Super Bowl halftime show this past Sunday.

4. LOVE CHOCOLATE? Of course you do. Before you run to the store, check out The Organic Whey’s new blog with 5 tips to buying healthy chocolate.

5. Some popular cookbooks suggest hoodwinking our kids into eating veggies by hiding them in their favorite foods. But like all subterfuge, this comes with serious liabilities. Read more at Experience Life.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/from-our-friends/from-our-friends-february-10-2012.html/feed/08 Weird Foods from Green Bay and Pittsburghhttp://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/weird-foods-from-the-super-bowl-teams-cities.html
http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/weird-foods-from-the-super-bowl-teams-cities.html#commentsTue, 01 Feb 2011 16:00:00 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/s1-foodie-buzz/c4-foodie-buzz/weird-foods-from-the-super-bowl-teams-cities/While we'll have to wait until Sunday to see who wins the big game, Green Bay and Pittsburgh come out in a tie when it comes to weird local foods. Check out these strange dishes and let us know if we missed any!

While we’ll have to wait until Sunday to see who wins the big game, Green Bay and Pittsburgh tie it up when it comes to weird local foods. Check out these strange dishes and let us know if we missed any!

PITTSBURGH

Chipped chopped ham a.k.a Pittsburgh Style ham: A mixture of ham chunks, trimmings and seasonings, ground up together and packaged into loaves before being shaved into super fine slices.

Smiley face cookies: Pittsburgh has been called “the city with a smile” and local Denny’s like family style restaurant chain, Eat’n Park (even though most people park before they eat, but whatevs, that’s cool.) makes delicious “smiley face cookies,” which are kind of like New York’s black and white cookies, only with personality.

Primanti Brothers: This popular restaurant chain can now be found in cities outside of Pittsburgh, but it has and always will be a city tradition. What makes them most famous is that they put your side dishes—french fries and coleslaw—on your sandwiches—er, in them, rather. Topping off with Pittsburgh’s Heinz ketchup is optional.

Pierogis: There’s a large polish community in Pittsburgh, making traditional food like pierogis quite popular. It’s basically a ravioli stuffed with potato, onion, cheeses or meats. Boil or fry ‘em up and down them with a good old Iron City beer and you’ll be rooting for the Steelers in no time.

WISCONSIN

Limburger Cheese: Though originally from the Netherlands, Monroe, WI used to boast more than one hundred Limburger cheese making plants. Said to smell worse than it tastes, this cheese is also found in a popular sandwich with onion, rye bread and mustard.

Pickled Pigs Feet: Though a more common meal throughout the southern U.S., you can find pickled pigs feet in Wisconsin, thanks to Cudahy manufacturer, Porkie Co. Presumably you need to drink a lot of beer to get them down, but no worries, Wisconsin boasts more than 72 breweries.

Cheese curds: Made from the solid parts of soured milk, these curds are squeaky, like eating Styrofoam, because of air that gets trapped inside during production. You can buy them all over the state of Wisconsin, fresh, fried or in poutine—french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with brown gravy.

Butternuts: Also called “white walnuts” these are extremely rare outside of the Midwest, where they grow naturally. There’s currently a fungus devastating the white walnut trees so finding butternuts is an expensive treat, but apparently worth it.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/weird-foods-from-the-super-bowl-teams-cities.html/feed/06 Reasons to Have Sex Immediately After the Super Bowlhttp://www.organicauthority.com/health/6-reasons-to-have-sex-immediately-after-the-super-bowl.html
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/6-reasons-to-have-sex-immediately-after-the-super-bowl.html#commentsTue, 01 Feb 2011 04:25:02 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/s5-health/c8-health/6-reasons-to-have-sex-immediately-after-the-super-bowl/The big game is so intense that research conducted by the University of Southern California suggests there's an increased risk of having a heart attack on Super Bowl Sunday---especially for fans of the underperforming/losing team. But no matter who wins or loses, we think you should have sex on game day. It can de-stress you, and there are plenty of other reasons to score, too.

The big game is so intense that research conducted by the University of Southern California suggests there’s an increased risk of having a heart attack on Super Bowl Sunday—especially for fans of the underperforming/losing team. But no matter who wins or loses, we think you should have sex on game day. It can de-stress you, and there are plenty of other reasons to score, too.

Competition makes you frisky: Whether or not your team wins or loses, the thrill of an intense matchup with so much at stake can elevate your energy levels and make you more passionate. There’s no better outlet for all that fabulous energy than a roll in the hay, especially since the pre-game jitters and obsessive Sports Center watching may have made you kind of annoying to your partner recently.

Sex boosts mood: Yah, someone is going to lose, Green Bay, so you might want to take your mind off of the loss by getting your fix from feel good oxytocin and dopamine by clocking in some sweet overtime in the sack.

Winners, don’t waste good enthusiasm on men you do not actually know: Jerry Seinfeld said that we’re never really rooting for sports teams, as players change and teams even move to different cities. It’s the jerseys we’re really invested in. And, well, that’s kind of lame. Don’t let all your excitement go to a uniform, unless your sexy partner’s wearing it.

All that high-fiving is gross: You’re going to need something to counter all those nasty germs you were exposed to while slapping hands with your buddies during game time. Hands can contain 1500 types of germs per square inch! And that’s not even counting the germs you got by accidentally drinking from someone else’s beer. Sex has been shown to increase immune function and can help prevent common colds and flu.

Burn off those nachos: Unless you were eating our healthy superfood Super Bowl snack recommendations, you probably overindulged in greasy, salty foods. Sex is a great way to maintain a healthy weight, not just by burning a few extra calories, but by boosting chemical levels in the brain that make you feel full and satisfied so you eat less.

Super Baby: If you’re planning to start a family, what’s hotter than being able to tell your little bundle of joy about the day Pittsburgh won their 7th Super Bowl ring, and “that’s why Mommy and Daddy named you Hines Polamalu Tomlin Jones.”

To many sports fans, it isn’t Super Bowl Sunday without a selection of iced-down brewskies to go along with the football madness. Organic beers are better for your body and for the environment, while gluten-free brews are a godsend for those who suffer from celiac disease and find themselves unable to drink 99% of other beers out there.

No matter which team you are rooting for this year, pair your cheers with one of these organic and/or gluten-free beers:

To many sports fans, it isn’t Super Bowl Sunday without a selection of iced-down brewskies to go along with the football madness and yummy snacks. Organic beers are better for your body and for the environment, while gluten-free brews are a godsend for those who suffer from celiac disease and find themselves unable to drink 99% of other beers out there.

No matter which team you are rooting for this year, pair your cheers with one of these organic and/or gluten-free beers:

Lakefront Brewery New Grist Organic Gluten-Free Beer: America’s first gluten-free beer, New Grist is brewed in Milwaukee and certified organic. A pale gold beer that is brewed from sorghum, rice, and gluten-free yeast grown on molasses, New Grist is exceptionally refreshing and appeals to drinkers of many persuasions.

Bison Brewing Organic Chocolate Stout: Available in twelve states and produced from a Berkeley, CA headquarters, Bison Brewing crafts USDA-certified organic beers. With a blend of cocoa and five organic malts, Bison’s Organic Chocolate Stout is the company’s most award-winning beer and a fine match for hearty sports fans.

Bard’s Original Sorghum Malt Beer: Made from sorghum syrup instead of grain syrup, this golden amber beer smells and tastes much like a regular wheat-brewed ale. However this drink contains no gluten and is instead crafted with sorghum, hops, yeast, buckwheat, honey, corn and rice.

Stone Mill Organic Pale Ale: Perhaps the most widely available beer on this list, Stone Mill Organic Pale Ale is one of Anheuser-Busch’s two organic selections available nationwide (the other is their Wild Hop Lager). Fresh and light, the pale ale is made with 100% organic barley malt for a classic taste that goes down well with football cheers.

Green’s Discovery Gluten-Free Amber Ale: Green’s produces several gluten-free beers in the UK, however a few of them are available stateside as well. Their all-natural Discovery Ale is a medium-bodied affair with nut and caramel undertones, and will go down well with Superbowl Sunday snacks like chips and dip.

Eel River Organic IPA: For those who don’t like to fool around, reach for an IPA, preferable an organic selection such as Eel River Brewing Company’s IPA. The country’s first certified organic brewery, Eel River makes a fine and refreshing IPA and is environmentally conscious – all the power used to brew the beer is produced from lumber mill leftovers such as bark, wood chips and scrap lumber.

Redbridge Gluten-Free Beer: With a slight red color and a robust craft beer taste, Redbridge is another sorghum beer that is made without wheat or barley. Distributed widely and easy to find, this rich, full-bodied lager will please beer drinkers who like a little flavor but no glutens in their brews.

Please note: Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. Those who suffer from gluten sensitivity or an intolerance aka celiac disease (about one percent of the population) should avoid gluten in their diets. However, “gluten-free” food and beverage items, while certainly trendy these days, may not be better for the earth than their glutenated counterparts or healthier for those who don’t suffer from celiac disease. If you suspect that you might be gluten intolerant, please talk to your doctor before changing to an unsupervised gluten-free diet in order to rule out other possibilities.

The Super Bowl is America's most watched, and most beloved sporting event. (As it should be...right, Steeler Nation?) You simply cannot treat this occasion with the same energy you would a regular season game or a lesser sport. No, for the Super Bowl, you need Super Snacks.

The Super Bowl is America’s most watched, and most beloved sporting event. (As it should be…right, Steeler Nation?) You simply cannot treat this occasion with the same energy you would a regular season game or a lesser sport. No, for the Super Bowl, you need Super Snacks.

It’s no secret that people love a good Super Bowl party, but hopefully they like great food, too—food that offers more than boring old chips, dips and pizza, which just don’t measure up. Incorporate some of these superfoods into your game-time noshing and watch the day transform, no matter who wins (as long as it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers).

Olives and Nuts: Both are loaded with minerals, amino acids and good fats. Try soaking almonds in water for a few hours so they plump up. Pair with a good kalamata olive, and you’ve got a super delicious heart healthy snack.

Avocado: This fatty fruit is the king when it comes to the only acceptable dip: Game Time Guacamole. It’s an incredible source of healthy omega fats and more than 20 essential nutrients great for the heart, hair, skin and digestion. Mash your ripe avocado, add some fresh-squeezed limejuice, some heat from a diced jalapeno and top with chopped cilantro.

Spinach: No game snacking would be complete without football sandwiches. Whether you’re experimenting with vegan mock meats or roasting vegetables for your sandwiches, top with layers of spinach instead of lettuce. It is loaded with vitamins including A, C, E and K. One serving boasts approximately 5 grams of protein. It’s powerful antioxidants have also been linked to cancer prevention, and the vitamin K levels support bone health.

Beer: Well, duh. Like it would be a Super Bowl party without it. But good news out of Spain, where recent research shows that moderate beer consumption can cut the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure and contribute to weight loss. It’s especially beneficial when paired with the Mediterranean diet, a.k.a. those olives, almonds and spinach.

Chocolate: The cocao bean is a great antioxidant, and has been linked to heart health and slews of other super benefits. And chocolate can boost your mood, creating the same feelings as being in love, which is really good news, because someone is going to lose the Super Bowl, Wisconsin.

]]>http://www.organicauthority.com/mojo-foods/superfood-snacks-for-the-super-bowl.html/feed/0First Down Fonduehttp://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/organic-food-recipes/first-down-fondue/
http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/organic-food-recipes/first-down-fondue/#commentsFri, 02 Feb 2007 08:49:43 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=352Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or bringing a dish to a potluck, here’s a quick and easy starter that will score a culinary touchdown. (How can you miss with beer and cheese?)

All of the ingredients should be available at your local natural and organic food store.

First, exercise caution when handing out invitations, says Dr. Kirk Wakefield, chair of the Marketing Department and head of the Sports Sponsorship & Sales degree program at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Otherwise, a few dysfunctional fans can easily ruin the event.

“Cheering on their team, taking on opposing team supporters and yelling at the referees is what these people live for,” Dr. Wakefield says. “These types of fans are likely to be the ones to be thrown out of the bar or that people wish would leave.”

Some fans enjoy, and readily admit to, being confrontational. Dr. Wakefield believes they’re usually socially maladjusted individuals with fragile psyches. Most, he notes, are single, younger males living in rental properties who don’t think they can enjoy the game without alcohol—and they may have little respect for your property.

“Alcohol fuels the fire for these people—especially if their team is losing,” he says. Monitor alcohol intake, and watch for guests who may have already downed a few drinks before arriving.

And a word to the wise (given the betting line favoring the Colts): Don’t invite all Bears fans, with only one diehard Colt fan, if you want your lovely organic home to remain in one piece.

]]>If you’re hosting this weekend’s Super Bowl party, how do you stay sane during the testosterone-fueled festivities?

First, exercise caution when handing out invitations, says Dr. Kirk Wakefield, chair of the Marketing Department and head of the Sports Sponsorship & Sales degree program at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Otherwise, a few dysfunctional fans can easily ruin the event.

“Cheering on their team, taking on opposing team supporters and yelling at the referees is what these people live for,” Dr. Wakefield says. “These types of fans are likely to be the ones to be thrown out of the bar or that people wish would leave.”

Some fans enjoy, and readily admit to, being confrontational. Dr. Wakefield believes they’re usually socially maladjusted individuals with fragile psyches. Most, he notes, are single, younger males living in rental properties who don’t think they can enjoy the game without alcohol—and they may have little respect for your property.

“Alcohol fuels the fire for these people—especially if their team is losing,” he says. Monitor alcohol intake, and watch for guests who may have already downed a few drinks before arriving.

And a word to the wise (given the betting line favoring the Colts): Don’t invite all Bears fans, with only one diehard Colt fan, if you want your lovely organic home to remain in one piece.